World Arthritis Day has been observed annually on October 12 all over the globe since the year 1996. This day, introduced by the Arthritis and Rheumatism International (ARI), aims to raise awareness among the general populace and medical community about Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) and encourage them to embrace a healthier lifestyle. 

The theme for World Arthritis Day 2022 is "It's in your hands, take action," which assures that all people suffering from RMDs and their caregivers are knowledgeable of the vast support network available to them to treat this chronic inflammatory condition. It also enlightens public policy decision-makers about the burden of RMDs and the strategies that can be implemented to ease the pain.

Also Read: World Arthritis Day: Simple And Effective Tips To Manage Joint Pain

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is defined as the swelling and inflammation of one or more joints within the body and it is derived from the Greek words' arthro,' implying 'joint,' and 'itis,' signifying 'inflammation.' It is a blanket term that describes more than 100 inflammatory conditions that impact the joints, the tissues encompassing the joints, and the surrounding connective tissues. The initial symptoms of arthritis are usually characterized by joint pain and stiffness, tenderness, swelling of lymph nodes and joints, inflammation, redness, and reduced range of motion.

While modern medications are there to reduce the pain and inflammation stemming from these arthritic conditions, if you prefer the natural path sans any counterindications, have your unbiased faith in the alternative approach of Ayurveda. This 5000-year-old remedial science brings about a plethora of anti-inflammatory herbs with dominant analgesic and immunosuppressive traits through the ancient manuscripts of Charaka Samhita, Susruta Samhita, and Sarangadhar Samhita in remedying the pain arising from arthritis.

Also Read: World Arthritis Day 2020: Soothe Joint Pains With These 5 Restorative Yoga Postures 

According to Ayurveda, Arthritis is a painful condition that arises due to the accumulation of Ama and aggravation of Vata doshas. This Ama or toxins stemming from improper digestion circulates throughout the body and accumulates at the weaker sites. When these Ama gets piled up in the joints simultaneously, there is an exacerbation of Vata called Amavata, a.k.a arthritis.

Since arthritis is caused due to imbalance of Vata, the main target of the Ayurvedic treatment for the different forms of arthritis is to balance and equalize the Vata in the body. And equilibrium can be achieved by fortifying the alimentary canal and the metabolic pathways, guaranteeing that all the bodily srotas or channels are up and functioning well and that nourishment from food and supplements gets delivered to the joints. 

While there are numerous arthritic conditions, including reactive arthritis, septic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and thumb arthritis, the most prevalent ones include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Foray through this 2-minute read that enlists some incredible healing natural herbs to relieve various arthritic conditions by alleviating bodily discomfort and enhancing joint mobility.

Astounding Herbs To Treat The Five Common Arthritic Conditions

What Is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis: Also known as Shandhigata Vata in Ayurveda, Osteoarthritis chiefly affects older people and happens due to wear and tear of the cartilage (the firm, slick tissue that sheathes the ends of the bones where they form a joint). This type of arthritis usually affects the body's weight-bearing joints, like the hips and knees.

Hadjod Relieves Osteoarthritis:

Hadjod: Hadjod goes by the botanical name Cissus quadrangularis, is a potent ayurvedic herb loaded with beneficial minerals and antioxidants that inhibit the activity of an inflammatory protein that leads to a decrease in joint pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. It helps restore bone and joint-related difficulties, such as RA, fractures, and osteoporosis. It readily soothes pain and inflammation and helps recoup a wide range of motion in bones and muscles.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Also termed as Ama Vata in Ayurvedic texts, rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory condition that can affect people of any age wherein the body's immune system attack the healthy joints, starting with the lining of the joint capsule causing a painful swelling that can ultimately result in bone erosion and joint deformity.

Punarnava Soothes Rheumatoid Arthritis:

Punarnava: Boerhavia diffusa, a.k.a Punarnava in Hindi, displays excellent uplifting and purifying action on the overall system as it helps to eliminate toxins from the body, thereby enhancing bone and joint strength and remedying RA. Regular intake of Punarnava strengthens bones, bolsters muscles, and improves flexibility in joints.

What Is Lupus?

Lupus: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), commonly referred to as lupus, is a chronic autoimmune disorder that can cause swelling and pain throughout the body and can often lead to joint pain, fever, skin rashes, and organ damage.

Rasna Reduces Lupus Symptoms:

Rasna: Noted in botanical nomenclature as Pluchea lanceolata, the organic components of Rasna are lauded for their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and laxative properties that extensively help in flushing out Ama toxins, promoting digestion, settling fevers and soothing joint pain and swelling. It also diminishes pain, discomfort, immobility, and swelling associated with SLE.

What Is Gout?

Gout: Commonly referred to as Vata rakta in Ayurveda, Gout or Gouty arthritis is a disorder wherein joint pain, inflammation, swelling, and kidney malfunction chiefly arise due to excessive deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints.

Sallaki Treats Gout:

Sallaki: Known as Indian Frankincense in English, Sallaki is a traditional herbal remedy for bone, joint and musculoskeletal disorders. Imbued with extraordinary essential oils and resin extracts, Sallaki offers beneficial anti-inflammatory and analgesic traits that help in the reduction of swelling in joints. Additionally, it also purges the blood and kidneys of waste materials, thereby reducing uric acid levels and resolving gouty arthritis.

What Is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Ankylosing Spondylitis: Ankylosing spondylitis, often denoted as a form of Ama Vata, is an inflammatory disease that, over time, can lead to the fusion of some of the bones in the spine (vertebrae). This fusion makes the spine less rigid and can result in a person having a hunched posture. If the fusion affects the ribs, it can make breathing extremely difficult.

Giloy Alleviates Ankylosing Spondylitis:

Giloy: Giloy, a.k.a Guduchi, which goes by the scientific name Tinospora cordifolia, is an excellent herbal remedy for bone and joint disorders. Blessed with an array of powerful bioactive constituents, giloy confers praise-worthy anti-inflammatory traits to soothe aching and tenderness in the joints. Moreover, giloy enhances bone mineral density in weakened tissues due to gout and minimises joint pain.